Strong’s G4649: From the root meaning “to look,” σκοπός refers to a distant mark looked at, a goal, or target. In classical Greek, it was used in archery and athletics. In NT usage, Paul employs it metaphorically to describe the focused pursuit of the Christian life’s ultimate prize.

U- Unveiling the Word

σκοπός carries rich meaning as both a physical and metaphorical target or goal. Originally used in contexts of archery and athletics, where it designated the distant mark at which an archer or runner aimed, the word took on deeper spiritual significance in New Testament usage. Paul’s employment of this term in Philippians 3:14 masterfully draws on this athletic imagery to illustrate the focused determination required in pursuing Christ. Early church fathers frequently used this word to discuss spiritual goals and the ultimate aim of the Christian life. Today, it continues to resonate as a powerful metaphor for maintaining clear spiritual focus and pursuing Christ as our ultimate goal.

N – Necessary Information

• Greek Word: σκοπός, skopos, /skop-os’/
• Detailed pronunciation: ‘skop’ as in “scope,” followed by ‘os’ with emphasis on ‘os’
• Part of Speech: Noun (Masculine)

Etymology:

• Root: σκοπ- (skop-) – related to looking or watching
• Suffix: -ός (-os) – common Greek nominal ending
• Related to the verb σκοπέω (to look at, observe)

D – Defining Meanings

• A mark or target to shoot at
• A goal or objective to be reached
• A watchman’s station or lookout point

For compound words: Not a compound word, but derives from the root σκοπ- with the nominal suffix -ός

Translation Options:

• “Mark” – Best captures the original athletic/archery context
• “Goal” – Effectively conveys the metaphorical meaning
• “Target” – Combines both literal and metaphorical meanings

E – Exploring Similar Words

• τέλος (telos) /tel’-os/ – end, purpose, goal in terms of completion See G5056
• βραβεῖον (brabeion) /brab-i’-on/ – prize of victory See G1017
• σημεῖον (sēmeion) /say-mi’-on/ – sign, mark with different emphasis See G4592

R – Reviewing the Word’s Morphology

As a masculine noun:

• Case: Nominative, Genitive, Dative, Accusative
• Number: Singular, Plural
• Gender: Masculine
• Declension: Second declension

Examples of morphological changes:

• Nominative: σκοπός (the mark)
• Genitive: σκοποῦ (of the mark)
• Dative: σκοπῷ (to/for the mark)
• Accusative: σκοπόν (direct object)
• Cross-references: Related verb σκοπέω (to look at, aim at)

S – Studying Lexicon Insights

BDAG emphasizes σκοπός’s athletic and military origins before its metaphorical applications. Thayer’s highlights its use in Philippians as a metaphor for spiritual ambition. LSJ provides extensive classical examples from archery and athletics. Vine’s connects it to purposeful Christian living. Strong’s emphasizes its connection to watchful attention. Moulton and Milligan note its common use in athletic contexts in papyri. LEH traces its usage in Septuagint translations where it often represents military watchtowers.

T – Tracing the Scriptures

First appearance:
“I press toward the mark [σκοπός] for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” Philippians 3:14

Additional References:
This is the only occurrence in the New Testament.

A – Analyzing Classical Usage

N – Noteworthy Summary

σκοπός beautifully captures the essence of focused Christian discipleship. Just as an archer maintains unwavering focus on their target, Paul uses this word to encourage believers to fix their eyes on the ultimate prize – Christ Himself. This word promotes the Gospel by reminding us that the Christian life is not aimless but has a clear goal: knowing and becoming like Christ. It challenges us to maintain spiritual focus amid life’s distractions.

D – Did You Know?

1. The English word “scope” derives from this Greek word σκοπός.
2. Ancient Greek archery training often involved progressive distances to the σκοπός to build skill.
3. Early Christian monastics used this term to describe contemplative prayer’s goal of union with God.

Strong’s G4649: A mark or target aimed at, particularly in athletics or archery. Metaphorically represents a goal or objective. In NT usage, specifically refers to the believer’s focused pursuit of Christ and spiritual maturity. Emphasizes deliberate, purposeful striving toward a clearly defined aim.

Part of speech: Noun (Masculine)

Tags: goal, target, mark, aim, purpose, focus, direction, pursuit, paul, philippians, athletic-metaphor, archery, spiritual-discipline, christian-life, perseverance​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​